Samaritan Hospitals Achieve Birthing-Friendly Designation

In a groundbreaking move to address the maternal health crisis in the United States, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has introduced the Birthing-Friendly hospital designation. All five of Samaritan Health Services’ hospitals have obtained this designation that recognizes hospitals and health systems committed to high-quality maternity care.

The criteria for earning this title include active participation in a statewide or national perinatal quality improvement collaborative program, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions and care to enhance maternal health.

Hospitals meeting both criteria receive the coveted Birthing-Friendly label that shows commitment to continually enhancing maternal health quality metrics. In Oregon, only 38 hospitals were selected to receive this designation.

“I am so proud to say we were already holding ourselves to the standards set by CMS throughout Samaritan Health Services,” said Jen Pierce, nurse manager, at the Family Birthing Center at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. “We pride ourselves in practicing evidence-based care to make birthing safe for all persons in our care.”

The introduction of the Birthing-Friendly accreditation marks a critical moment in the pursuit of high-quality maternal health care. As hospitals strive to meet and exceed the criteria set forth by CMS, the designation serves as a beacon, guiding both patients and health care providers towards a future where maternal health outcomes are prioritized and continually improved.

“I firmly believe that achieving Birthing-Friendly certification is not just a recognition, it’s a commitment to excellence in maternity care,” said Jenni Copeland, nurse manager, at the Center for Women & Families at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. “It symbolizes our dedication to providing the highest standards of safety, quality and compassionate care to our patients and their families.”

Samaritan’s Labor, Delivery, Recovery & Postpartum departments are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered maternity care with a focus on safety and equity. According to Pierce, the Birthing-Friendly designation signifies the LDRP departments dedication to:

1. Evidence-based practices: We adhere to the latest evidence-based guidelines to ensure the best possible outcomes for birthing individuals and infants.
2. Patient-centered care: Our focus is on individualized care that respects the unique needs, preferences, and choices of expectant individuals and their families.
3. Safety and quality: We prioritize patient safety and maintain rigorous standards to guarantee the highest quality of care throughout the birthing process.
4. Compassionate and respectful approach: Our health care professionals are committed to providing compassionate and respectful care, fostering a positive and supportive birthing experience.

“This designation is a true testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and empowering birthing environment,” said Copeland. “We look forward to continuing to serve our communities with excellence in maternity care.”